If you’ve never walked this way before, you’re in for a wild ride. We’re here to equip you with our annual Mommy Guide covering the basics of mind, body and that allintimidating registry process.

Local experts weigh in about the importance of healthy playtime as well as healthy eating. The good news: Forget the complicated “activities” and the flash cards and the concern that your child is going to fall behind if they can’t recite the states by kinder garten. Turns out good old free time is just what your little ones need to learn life’s biggest lessons.

There are few battles quite like those waged at the dinner table. From those first few bites of soft foods at the high chair to grabbing fast food on the go as a teenager, the lessons we teach children about what they eat and why can have a lasting impact on their health. Our local expert (and mother of two girls) gives us tips to begin at any age (including your age, momma) the healthy path to mind and body. More good news: It doesn’t require a vast knowledge of nutrition to nail these simple tips.